Mudrarakshasa 's Chanakya--King maker updated Durdhara pg 5 - Page 2

Great thread Avantika 👏👏

Wow ,something totally different than what ever little i read,but one thing I don't understand if chanakiya wanted nands vansh kavinash wasn't chandra nands son from moora,than how come he took it upon him to make chandra king

Sri this is something totally put off,a rightiuos king is made to lok like a molester,this cvs should drown them selves in chullu phar pani

Amina, Avantika doesn't seem to be around. So I will see if I can answer this. There are a whole lot of versions in history about Chandragupt. One is that he belongs to the royal family of Peeplivan who belong to the very same famous Sakya clan to which Lord Buddha also belonged. This version is favored by Buddhist chronicles of that period.

A second version is that he belonged to a Kshatriya clan who were by profession peacock tamers or 'Moriyas' which in due course of time got corrupted and became 'Maurya'. Don't ask me why people do peacock taming for a profession. It appears inscrutable and enigmatic to me. Horse taming, elephant taming, etc, there looks some kind of use. But peacock taming? I wonder why people did that? No surprises the profession doesn't seem to have been very popular!

A third version says that Mura was a Dasi at the place of King Dhananand. Chandragupt was her son and he also used to serve in the retinue of Dhananand. But since, she wasn't a wedded wife, though the erstwhile king might have been the father, he wouldn't have acknowledged Chandragupt by his name. The end result, Chandragupt would have been considered illegitimate and must have been called after his mother only.

That is why, according to this version he chooses the name of his dynasty after his mother as the Maurya Vansh! Regarding your other question of Chanakya harboring a vendetta against Dhananand and his lineage. It is exclusively meant for the father and his nine sons(acknowledged), the princes, and not everyone who was born to Dhananand(our Nand was historically known by this name).

The king could have fathered a hundred or more sons in his lifetime. He couldn't have run after all of them and indulging in blood hair baths. It wouldn't have been feasible. There is a story about why Chanakya favors CGM though his father was Dhananand. I don't know how authentic or historical this is.

CGM it seems is an influential general of Dhananand. But he too was seething with rage and rebellion at the atrocious behavior of Dhananand and the princes. When he heard about the way Chanakya was insulted at the Raj Sabha, he runs behind Chanakya to assuage him and his hurt.

Chanakya is immediately impressed by Chandragupt's stately, royal and yet humble demeanor, his way of carrying himself, his thinking, etc. He questions him about his parenthood, and CGM reveals the whole story. Chanakya tells that he would make CGM the king because he really deserved it.

CGM joins hands with Chanakya and mutinies against Dhananand, along with him the entire contingent or contingents under him joined in this. So if this version is true, Chanakya did not have to begin everything from the scratch. Both equally benefitted from this alliance.

CGM was already a powerful warrior, an acclaimed and powerful general. He gave CGM the right guidance and deposed DN and made CGM the king. According to this story, CGM spares the life of Dhananand because he was his father. Let's see what angle or version Avantika takes here.

DIDI thanks for encouraging me..

Avantika ...thanks for sharing the info😛 and keep updating us .

Originally posted by: jayaks02

Avant - Fab thread - This is brilliant stuff - I am so looking forward. 😃

But What ?!!!!!!!! CGM is the son of Dhananand and Mura ( Daasi) ? Which means he married his sister ?

This is very strange and unheard of.

CGM was definitely son of a Daasi or some worker in the palace but I thought his dad's identity is unknown. Please elaborate on this more yaar, whoever knows it.

This theory makes CGM a part of Nand's tribe . I somehow think it is far fetched.

even I was bewildered after watching this and thus mentioned that there are so many versions of history and it becomes difficult to ascertain the authenticity. Shailaja has elaborated on it in a later post beautifully.

Originally posted by: shailusri1983

Amina, Avantika doesn't seem to be around. So I will see if I can answer this. There are a whole lot of versions in history about Chandragupt. One is that he belongs to the royal family of Peeplivan who belong to the very same famous Sakya clan to which Lord Buddha also belonged. This version is favored by Buddhist chronicles of that period.

A second version is that he belonged to a Kshatriya clan who were by profession peacock tamers or 'Moriyas' which in due course of time got corrupted and became 'Maurya'. Don't ask me why people do peacock taming for a profession. It appears inscrutable and enigmatic to me. Horse taming, elephant taming, etc, there looks some kind of use. But peacock taming? I wonder why people did that? No surprises the profession doesn't seem to have been very popular!

A third version says that Mura was a Dasi at the place of King Dhananand. Chandragupt was her son and he also used to serve in the retinue of Dhananand. But since, she wasn't a wedded wife, though the erstwhile king might have been the father, he wouldn't have acknowledged Chandragupt by his name. The end result, Chandragupt would have been considered illegitimate and must have been called after his mother only.

That is why, according to this version he chooses the name of his dynasty after his mother as the Maurya Vansh! Regarding your other question of Chanakya harboring a vendetta against Dhananand and his lineage. It is exclusively meant for the father and his nine sons(acknowledged), the princes, and not everyone who was born to Dhananand(our Nand was historically known by this name).

The king could have fathered a hundred or more sons in his lifetime. He couldn't have run after all of them and indulging in blood hair baths. It wouldn't have been feasible. There is a story about why Chanakya favors CGM though his father was Dhananand. I don't know how authentic or historical this is.

CGM it seems is an influential general of Dhananand. But he too was seething with rage and rebellion at the atrocious behavior of Dhananand and the princes. When he heard about the way Chanakya was insulted at the Raj Sabha, he runs behind Chanakya to assuage him and his hurt.

Chanakya is immediately impressed by Chandragupt's stately, royal and yet humble demeanor, his way of carrying himself, his thinking, etc. He questions him about his parenthood, and CGM reveals the whole story. Chanakya tells that he would make CGM the king because he really deserved it.

CGM joins hands with Chanakya and mutinies against Dhananand, along with him the entire contingent or contingents under him joined in this. So if this version is true, Chanakya did not have to begin everything from the scratch. Both equally benefitted from this alliance.

CGM was already a powerful warrior, an acclaimed and powerful general. He gave CGM the right guidance and deposed DN and made CGM the king. According to this story, CGM spares the life of Dhananand because he was his father. Let's see what angle or version Avantika takes here.

Shailaja, you have explained it beautifully with proper information. This the version they aired on Epic channel and went on to explain how Chanakya spotted Chandragupt from the backyards of the palace, realised his potential through some incidents and eventually trained him and eliminated the legal heirs in line one by one to clear the path to throne for CGM. And yes he was never recognized by Dhananand

MUDRARAKSHAS

ACT 1 Signet Found

It was Night in Pataliputra.The hassle bustle of the city was slowly drowning in the silent eerie of night.The breeze blew warm announcing the coming of summer's hottest days. The aroma of the tall grasses were an intoxicating. Everything was fine in the city as it was slowly returning to Normalcy after seize . People were very jubilant after the exile of Dhananand .Somewhere in the starry night there was a beating human heart that seems to preoccupied by some thoughts. It was none other than Chanakya.He was supposed to be happy,since his protege won the war and strong empire was established after struggle of 12 long years. He was still unhappy . Chanakya was seen very worried to such an extent,he almost skipped eating .Chanakya was just taking some water and poriddge once in a day

Sangrava,Chanakya's pupil observed his anguish and he decided to ask his teacher what actually bothers him at this moment of time.He knew that his Acharya's temperament. Without disturbing his thought, he stood behind where Chanakya was seated and in extremely low voice carefully spoke

"Acharaya.. You must be happy now,Everything is going as per our plan. Chandrasekhar is now the KIng of Magadh.All lost glories of our Bharat has been restored. Its very disturbing to see that not even a tinge of satisfaction is apparent in your face.If its not a secret ,You can disclose it to me so that I can do something to remove your burden. Acharya I cannot see you in distress.

CHanakya saw his pupil ,Sangrava who was standing before him with his head down in reverence .He after a long pause

"Putra... You are one of my esteemed Student. If Chandrasekhar is my right eye ,then you are definitely right one.I expected a lot from you.. But You have disappointed me by asking this question. How can the sovereignty of Chandrasekar is established as long as Rakshasas is not secured by us?Putra.. How can you ask me to feel relaxed when Rakshasas is still roaming out in the Magadh . I know him,He will not rest until Chandra is Thrown out of Magadh. He is more loyal than King.. Now he has aligned himself with Malayaketu son of Parvartak.

Sangrava" Acharya.. Pardon me.. I think he is a spent force.How can he be a threat to us?

Chanakya with husky voice" Putra.. You don't know his capacity as I do.. He is dangerous out there.

Sangrava quickly retorted" Acharya.. We can give orders to capture and Kill him?"

Chanakya did not expect this reply from his student. He in irritant tone" What good its going to do Putra.. Do you really feel,that his capacity and knowledge to go in vein.Just Imagine,if he is teamed with Chandragupt,how much beneficial its going to be.. He has immense knowledge in administration.Just because he was Dhananand's prime minister,don't underestimate him putra...

Sangrava felt more respect for his Guru,but still he cannot tolerate that any person could exist who is more knowledgeable than Chanakya.

"Acharaya... You are so humble... I have to detest your statement. Please forgive me for that.I cannot question your views about estranged minister of Nand .But if Rakshasas was so able administrator,then why did n't correct Nand wherever he drifted away from Dharma and Moral ethics pertaining to King.Why these people were tortured ruthlessly .Did they had any knowledge about these people condition. As a Minister,he should have helped these citizens.WHERE was He when people migrated to Panchala,unable to suffer tax eviction. WHen greek invaded, what did this Amatya do...?I dont get,how do you praise him.. Is he praiseworthy Acharya?

Chanakya "Putra .. I fully agree .. But answer me did Dhritarashtra listen to Bheeshma. The answer is big no,but when time to prove loyality came,Bheeshma went even against Lord Krishna. Rakshasas is no lesser than Gangaputra Bheeshma. Atleast for his sense of loyalty,we should bring him to Chandra's side.

Sangrava understood his wisdom. "Acharya ,I am apprehensive ,how could he come to our side ?

Chanakya Pointed his index finger to his brain "We have to use this tool.Putra,do you know why God has placed brain in head and heart in chest.. any idea?

Sangrava was silent . He was looking at Chanakya with rapt attention.

Chanakya with a smile " A person should always think from his brain. He should prioritize his needs.In Simple words A man should know his requirements and act accordingly. I don't care what people are saying about me. They may call me ruthless,ugly egoistic. I give a damn about it. These people will never understand that I am trying to secure freedom and peace for their future generations. You know,I don't have any family or attachments. It does not mean,That I have to overlook future of millions of people who are going to take birth in this land. Freedom is basic necessity Putra.

Sanagrava was quiet .

Chanakya continued "I cannot sleep over this matter. Accordingly I have spread an evil report among people that our ally Parvartak was indeed assainated by Rakshashas piteously by his vishkanya.Not only that I have entrusted my spies in all different localities to monitor the movements of Partisans of Nand.I have appoinnted personal attendants of Chandra after thoroughly testing them . These attendants have loyalty as proof to temptation and are very vigil in protecting the king against attack of vishkanya and other intruders.One thing my dear Putra..I have to really appreciate Rakshasas. He cleverly ganged up with Malayaketu. Both of them are Raghu and Ketu for our Chandra. THats what perplexes me.

Sangrava "Chandra if graced by Buddha,it nullifies the bad effects of conjunction of Raghu and Ketu.

Chanakya"Sangrava .. I admire your Guru Bhakti. Putra.

Just then a spy came inside the room. Spy saluted the Chanakya"Tell me.. any important message you have for magadh?"

Spy with folded hands and "Sir... I have some information which may be useful to you."

Chanakya nodded his head and directed him to say

"Acharaya.. there are few members of Amatya Rakshasas gang,who are trying to create unrest among the people .They want to start revolt against Chandragupt Maharaj.

Chanakya "Which person is doomed to die,does not wish to see my hairs tied on my head even now. Had they forgotten that my anger is more poisonous than fumes of Cobra..Who is that who want assault Chandra inspite of me.. Tell me clearly without delay. If they are not nipped off,they will destabilize the rajya. Just as Lotus blooms in dirt water,Chandrasekar was born in this house of Nand . His father was Sarvarthasidhi and Mother Moora was a Dasi. Alas! his father did not give him the recognition. Leave alone The recognition,Sarvartha Siddhi did not even publicly acknowledge Chandrasekar as his son. Its me...This Vishnugupt Chanakya Who have found him and trained him for 7 long years. I sent him to Greek army to learn warfare techniques. When we needed money to maintain large army,I compelled him to marry Daughter of Devadutt Piplivan,Durdhara in return of Financial favour. Without speaking a word,My student obliged . When I asked him to jump into the pond when we were defeated by Nand at first running for life,He jumped with all devotion towards his Guru. Later When I asked the reason of his trust on me,he simply said" Your words are my Command Acharya. You wont let me down ever came as reply".I did not see him happy before. He was twitching in pain since I disclosed the insult I suffered at Court of Nand. NOw, only the boy is happy . I cannot allow any bad to happen to my Chandrasekar.no Not at all.

Good work, Avantika! You are just narrating the original play in your own words and not taking any creative liberties or license. I see that you are sticking to the original play which is a very good thing. I read the translation of Mudrarakshasa a decade ago in my father's personal library. He had two other plays of Kalidasa, Shakuntalam and Malavikaagnimitram, in translation along with this work. I am going to really enjoy this a lot!